

♦* 




*:- 





IHHHH 


|HIBHHWKHflH| 


1 (»lV li \A J J * r 1 ifi 1 if "*'' t li i 


iiy r. w/hqckw^Ul, jr. }W$i B^H 



Guide 

to the 



Cjreylock Otate reservation 

/ 

Francis Williams Rockwell, Jr. 




COPYRIGHTED 

by 

FRANCIS WILLIAMS ROCKWELL, JR. 

1916 

Edition of 1917 



, 



rz 
.135': 




©Cl. A 4 54 23 8 
DEC 18 1916 




The four sturdiest hills of Massachu- 
setts, the last remnants of the virgin forest 
that once guarded Berkshire solitudes, the 
mighty examples of the work of the relent- 
less glaciers that reduced Mt. Greylock from 
a peak towering 7,000 feet above the sea, to 
its present altitude, 3,505 feet — all these are 
found within the 8,000 acres of the Greylock 
State Reservation. Situated in the middle 
latitudes of New England, easily accessible 
from the cities of the northern seaboard, the 
summits of the Greylock group have a climate 
resembling that of portions of Canada. Rich 
is this field for the naturalist; manifold are 
its beauties. 

To make plain the ways of the reserva- 
tion to the stranger is the purpose of this 
guide. In order to facilitate the use of this 
booklet, it should be borne in mind that the 
carriage roads leading to the summit of 
Mt. Greylock have been treated first; then 
the trails to the summit have been described; 
and finally the less frequented, but perhaps 
more enchanting paths about the reservation 
have been considered. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Page 
Introductory: 

Location and General Character 5 

Accommodations at Summit 7 

Camping Permits, etc 8 

Use of Maps 10 

Carriage Roads to Summit 11 to 15 

Trails to Summit 16 to 24 

Short Trails on Reservation: 

Southern 25 

Northern 30 

Table of Distances 35 

Things to See and Where to Find Them 36 

Table of Heights and Map Distances 37 



INTRODUCTORY 



LOCATION AND GENERAL CHARACTER 
OF THE RESERVATION 

The Greylock State Reservation is situated in the 
northern portion of Berkshire, the western county of 
Massachusetts. It lies within the limits of Williams- 
town, North Adams, Adams, Cheshire and New Ash- 
ford. Pittsfield, on the Boston & Albany R. R. and 
New York, New Haven & Hartford R. R., is sixteen 
miles to the southward. Cheshire, Adams and North 
Adams may be reached from the south by rail from 
Pittsfield, or by the more frequent service of the 
Berkshire Street Railway. From the east and west, 
North Adams and Williamstown mlay be reached by 
trains on the Fitchburg Division, Boston & Maine 
Railroad. 

The reservation extends over the summits of 
several hills, and reaches down toward the upland 
farms which skirt its boundaries. For the most part 
it is wooded, with trees of many varieties, which in 
autumn as well as in spring show magnificent color 
combinations. Winter, too, though severe, has its 
especial beauties of drooping evergreens clad with 
snow, and frost bedecked branches with their pearly 
translucent sheen. Springs, cool, and of purest waters 
abound ; so that the tramper is never thirsty. And 
there are countless other delights which will be dis- 
covered, but which should not be foretold. 



GENERAL NATURE OF THE 
ROADS AND TRAILS 

The roads upon the reservation are for the most 
part rough carriage roads. This has been necessitated 
by the fact that the funds available for construction 
and maintenance have been limited in amount. The 
result has been that the construction is of a type 
designed to meet the bare necessities of a rough way 
connecting the various outlying corners with the 
summit where the superintendent resides. Many 
motorists, however, make the trip to the summit of 
Greylock each year by way of the southern approach 
to the mountain (Rockwell Road), up the long sloping 
ridge from the Lanesboro side. This road is in better 
condition for motor travel than any of the others. 
The road from North Adams to the summit is marked 
as unsafe for automobiles. But both the North Adams 
road and that to Adams have been negotiated by 
machines ; although one travels at his own peril. 

It must be remembered by all motorists who visit 
the reservation that the roadways are narrow, with 
but few turnouts ; and that in some places they are 
so steeply embanked that a few inches variation from 
the roadway might mean disaster. But if one drives 
with care, and gives proper warning with the horn, 
the trip may be accomplished in comparative safety, 
and with great enjoyment. 

At certain times of the year the roads to the 
summit are closed by order of the county commission- 



ers to prevent the damage that tire chains might cause 
in the soft soil of the woods, moistened by the heavy 
rains of spring and fall. The trails, however, are 
open, summer and winter. The more frequently used 
paths are well beaten under foot, and may be followed 
by one not accustomed to the woods ; the trails used 
more seldom are perhaps the more beautiful. These 
are for the most part blazed upon the trees. Both 
trails and roads are quite faithfully shown upon the 
appended "Map of Trails." 

ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE SUMMIT 

Food, drink and accommodations for the night 
may be secured at the house on Greylock Summit. 
The summit house, small and inadequate as it is, will 
furnish sleeping quarters for about ten persons. It is 
better to make arangements in advance for those 
wishing to stay for the night, or longer. This may be 
done by telephoning to the Greylock Summit House, 
Adams, Mass. The rates are reasonable. For any 
persons wishing to spend a considerable time at the 
summit, special terms may be secured by writing the 
Superintendent, Greylock State Reservation, North 
Adams, Mass. 

The present building some day will be replaced 
by a better. A building fund, donated in small 
amounts by citizens of Dalton and Pittsfield, and 
collected by Commissioner Francis W. Rockwell, has 
been placed in the hands of the County Treasurer of 



Berkshire, and is accumulating at interest. Persons 
who wish to contribute to this fund for a new summit 
house may send their checks to Henry A. Brewster, 
Esq., County Treasurer, Pittsfield, Mass. 

Owing to the fact that the roads at the elevation 
of the reservation remain unsettled until late in May, 
during the early part of the season motors are barred ; 
but even then it is possible to secure accommodations 
at the summit. The Summit House remains open 
until October is well advanced. The season for driving 
or riding extends from June to November. During 
the first week of October the autumnal coloring is 
likely to be at its height. For those who wish to climb 
the mountain in winter on snowshoes or with ski, 
shelter may be obtained at the Bunk House, south- 
westerly of the Summit house. Its door is left 
unlocked; a sm/all wood-stove is there and with a 
hatchet to cut wood, one is glad of the shelter. 

CAMPING PERMITS 

Persons who wish to camp upon the reservation 
should obtain permits from the Superintendent. For 
these no charge is made. During the season the present 
Superintendent may be addressed as follows: (Jared 
S. Adams), Superintendent Greylock State Reserva- 
tion, North Adams, Mass. (In the winter he should 
be addressed at Pittsfield, Mass.) 

Persons who wish to spend the night on the 
summit will have places assigned by the Superin- 
tendent where they may bivouac. Fires will be allowed 
under such circumstances in the locations approved. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE RESERVATION 

The Greylock State Reservation Commission was 
established by legislative act in 1898. The act pro- 
vided that the reservation should be purchased by the 
Commonwealth and maintained by the County of 
Berkshire. 

Three unpaid commissioners appointed by the 
governor of the state have the management of the 
reservation in their hands. They employ at the expense 
of the county a superintendent who has the oversight 
of the work done upon the reservation, and the 
management of the house at the summit. 



1916 
Members of the Greylock State Reservation Commission 

Francis W. Rockwell, of Pittsfield. 
Wm. H. Sperry, of North Adams. 
Arthur B. Daniels, of Adams. 

PHOTOGRAPHS OF RESERVATION SCENES 

Mr. Charles T. Barker began many years ago to 
collect photographs of the mountain and reservation. 
Beginning as an enthusiastic amateur, he has met 
with such success in his work that he now sells small 
prints. These views may be obtained at the Summit 
or from Mr. Barker direct. The prices of the five-by- 
seven prints are very reasonable, 25 cents. 

Mr. Barker's Pittsfield address is as follows : 
Charles T. Barker, 20 Oxford St., Pittsfield, Mass. 



USE OF APPENDED MAPS 

The two maps sold with this booklet are the best 
that can be obtained at this time. The U. S. Geolo- 
gical Survey map is on the scale of approximately one 
inch to the mile. North is at the top of the map. 
Elevations are shown for every twenty feet. The 
map was made before the road to Mt. Greylock up the 
ridge from the south had been laid out, so that the 
southern approach to the mlountain by way of Rounds 
Rock is not shown ; nor is the road from Adams. 

The other map (Road and Trail Map) in black 
and white, does not show the contours of the hills. 
The scale of the map is about 3,000 feet to the inch. 
It was made by Mr. William N. Tuller for the Grey- 
lock Commission, and shows the roads and trails of 
the reservation in relation to the summits of the hills. 
As the corners of the reservation boundaries are 
marked by granite posts showing the direction of the 
reservation lines, this road and trail map is of much 
value for work in the woods. The brooks on the trail 
map, however, are indicated only in a general way; 
for greater accuracy in this respect the government 
map should be used. 

For convenience in locating the starting points of 
trails upon the government miap the names and loca- 
tions of the Scholz, Walden, Bacon and Collins and 
Cummings houses have been stamped upon the 
governmient map. 

Throughout this booklet, the terms north, south 
and other such words have been used in a general 
sense. No attempt at absolute accuracy in giving 
compass directions has been made. 

10 



CARRIAGE ROADS LEADING 
TO THE SUMMIT 



From Lanesboro : 

From Lanesboro there are two ways of reaching 
the Greylock State Reservation. The first is by the 
road over Pratt Hill. This way is shown on the 
government map. It was the first road leading to 
Greylock Summit from the south, and was built by 
funds raised in part by subscription. From Pratt 
Hill there is obtained a beautiful panorama of the 
central Berkshire valley. But the grades on this road 
are steeper than those on the more recently constructed 
Rockwell road, the southern approach to the mountain. 

To reach the Pratt Hill road, go straight to the 
north on the highway through the center of Lanes- 
boro. Just northerly of the stone school-house the 
road divides in three. This point of division is about 
half way on a line drawn fromi the Noppet to Savage 
Hill. The center road of the three leads to Greylock 
Summit via Pratt Hill. 

The road generally used by those who motor is 
the southern approach to the mountain by way of 
Rounds Rock. This road is not shown on the gov- 
ernment map. To go this way one must turn to the 
eastward at the three corners just mentioned, and take 
the road that climbs the hill. After continuing thus 
for about a half mile a road will be noticed, at present 

11 



grass-grown, turning to the left and continuing north- 
erly up the ridge. This road finally leads to the 
southern end of the reservation at Rounds Rock, and 
ultimately after junction with the road from Cheshire 
and with that from Pratt Hill leads to the summit. 
Although the road up the ridge is at first grass-grown, 
it will be found to improve as the journey is continued. 

From Cheshire: 

There are two ways to reach the reservation by 
road from Cheshire. Both start from the same 
corner. On the highway in the center of Cheshire 
just north of the Cheshire Inn turn to the west and 
go up the hill past the cemetery. After crossing the 
brook on the stone arch bridge, turn to the left to go up 
the mountain by way of the southern approach to the 
mountain from Lanesboro, and travel toward Lanes- 
boro about three miles. Then, having arrived at the 
point where the grass-grown road starts up the ridge, 
turn to the right and travel as directed for those from 
Lanesboro. 

The shorter but steeper way to the reservation 
from Cheshire is that which keeps straight ahead from 
the stone arch bridge in Cheshire, and turning to the 
right, follows the approximate course of Kitchen 
Brook to a point near the Cumlmings house, shown on 
the Road and Trail map. The Cummings house is the 
last house passed as one approaches Jones Nose. This 
road is indicated in part on the government map. But 
here the Road and Trail map is more up-to-date. 
After passing the last house, bear to the left until the 
road up the mountain from the south is reached. 

12 










ill 



lilftlf- 









:: 




'" li§llllilllliltil 



H 
H 



O 

fa 

W 
o 
o 



From Adams : 

The carriage road to the summit of Mt. Greylock 
from Adams is circuitous. Starting from the 
McKinley monument, take the street west, up the hill 
past the cemetery and the old Quaker Meeting House 
in its midst. Then turn to the left, taking the second 
right to the lower end of the Cheshire Harbor Trail 
at the Scholz house. The road starts up the hill back 
of the Scholz house in a westerly direction and after 
reaching about the twenty-four hundred foot contour, 
turns southerly and swings down around the south- 
eastern shoulder of Saddle Ball, joining the Kitchen 
Brook road from) Cheshire just northerly of the 
Cummings house. 

A second way from Adams is to turn to the right 
west of the old Meeting House where before the left 
was taken. Then, taking the road over the northern 
end of Ragged mountain, the Walden house, near the 
Notch Reservoir, will be reached ; and from that 
point the North Adams road to the summit will be 
used. Motorists from Adams would do better to take 
the road from Lanesboro up the ridge to Rounds 
Rock. 

From North Adams : 

There is but one road up Greylock mountain from 
North Adanls and that is from the Notch Reservoir. 
It may be reached either by way of Furnace Street or 
preferably by going toward Braytonville, and turning 
to the south, thus joining the road from Williamstown 
about a mile northwesterly of the Notch Reservoir 
and the Walden house, and proceeding thither. 

14 



From Williamstown or South Williamstown : 

There is no direct road up Mt. Greylock from 
Williamstown. The roads most often travelled are 
those from New Ashford, North Adams, or, for 
motors, from Lanesboro. From, the North Adams 
side the road by the Notch Reservoir of course would 
be used. 

If, however, the New Ashford road should be 
chosen, one should drive down the Green River road 
toward New Ashford, turning east over the shoulder 
of Sugar Loaf, before reaching the village. This way 
to Greylock joins that from Pratt Hill after about a 
mile and a half, and then proceeds up the mountain, 
entering the road froml the southward. The late Dr. 
Bascom of Williams College, for many years the 
Chairman of the Reservation Commission, very often 
used this way when coming f romi Williamstown to the 
Summit. 

From New Ashford: 

The road most accessible to residents of New 
Ashford is that last described for Williamstown; it 
runs easterly over Sugar Loaf to the Pratt Hill road. 
Motorists should go to the fork in the road near the 
stone school house, north of Lanesboro and proceed 
up the ridge as directed for those from Lanesboro. 




15 



TRAILS TO THE SUMMIT 



The Cheshire Harbor Trail: 

(From the Southeast). 

From the valley there are three main trails to the 
summit of Mt. Greylock — the Cheshire Harbor Trail, 
the Bellows Pipe, and the Hopper Trails. The shortest 
and most accessible of these is the Cheshire Harbor 
Trail. And as a result it is the mlost travelled of the 
three, and the least rugged. To reach the "Harbor" 
trail one leaves the highway between Cheshire and 
Adams at the stone arch bridge on the line of the 
Berkshire Street Railway Co. (Fare from Pittsfield, 
20 cents; from Adams, 5 cents), taking the road 
which starts up Bassett Brook. When a small reser- 
voir has been passed the road to be taken swings 
around a hill to the right and then immediately turns 
from the top of the hill to the north. This road should 
be followed until the second house, Scholz's, has been 
reached. The Scholz house is about one-half mile 
northwest of Cole Mountain, and marks the beginning 
of the Cheshire Harbor Trail proper. (See Trail 
map). The Harbor trail approaches Mt. Greylock in 
the general vicinity of Peck Brook, and follows the 
trails marked 18 and 19 on the trail map. (Trail No. 19 
is a short cut to the summit starting from the divide 
south of the cut in the rocks on the southern car- 
riage road). 

16 



Care should be taken not to turn to the south 
from the Harbor trail by mistake. The carriage road 
from, Adams to the summit turns south from the trail, 
but the trail itself turns northerly. 

The trail is plainly marked; one might think it a 
carriage road. The time required for the ascent to 
the summit is dependent upon the pedestrian. Perhaps 
two hours for the climib would be an average. 

Excellent views of Adams and the eastern range 
of hills are afforded during the climb. A good place 
to lunch is at Peck Brook, the water of which is 
excellently cool and pure. 

Cheshire Harbor and Bellows Pipe Trails : 

(From Adams. Prom the Southeast. From the Northeast). 

There are two trails to the summit of Greylock 
available for trampers from Adams. The best known 
of these is the Cheshire Harbor Trail which can be 
reached by street car as described previously. Or the 
trail can be reached by the road to the Scholz house, 
found by turning to the south near Adams at the 
cemetery. (See below). 

The longer trail from Adamis is the Bellows Pipe. 
The start may be mlade from the McKinley monument 
in Adams, taking the street westerly up the hill, past 
the cemetery, with its old Quaker meeting-house, once 
attended by Susan B. Anthony. Then one should 
continue straight on, taking the grass-grown road to 
the west, toward the mountain. The highest peak, of 
course, is Greylock. 

The road follows Hoxie Creek for some distance, 
going through a gate, and across the brook on a bridge. 
Follow the road until it crosses the second bridge; 

17 



then turn sharply to the left on the north bank of the 
brook. Cross a fence, finally, on the right, and follow 
it westerly, crossing a small brook coming down from 
the right. The fence soon turns and in the angle of 
the wall will be found a granite marker which is one 
of the corners of the reservation line. This marker 
may be located on the Road and Trail map quite 
easily. Continue across the lot in the original direction 
of the fence, and finally there will be found a wood 
road on the north bank of the brook. Follow the road 
up for a short distance and then take the turn to the 
right, which will lead ultimately to the Bellows Pipe. 
Thus the southern end of Raven's Crag will be skirted. 

The Bellows Pipe is the great open pasture 
between Greylock and Ragged Mountain, or Raven's 
Crag. At the top of the divide a stonewall will be found 
running east and west. Follow it westerly to the first 
trees, and then turn to the left at an angle of forty- 
five degrees. Soon the trail (No. 17) up Mt. Greylock 
well be entered as it ascends in a northwesterly 
direction. Follow it, referring to the trail map for its 
various windings. It leads to the carriage road near 
the summit ; thence the road should be taken to the 
top of the mountain. 

The Bellows Pipe Trail : 

The trail most accessible from North Adams is 
the Bellows Pipe. The trail proper starts at the 
Walden house near the northwest corner of the Notch 
Reservoir, and is marked Trail 17 on the Road and 
Trail map. It may be followed quite readily as it 
extends on the west side of the Notch toward the 

18 



Bellows Pipe. At that point if it is desired to see the 
view to the south one rriay walk to the crest of the hill, 
near the stone wall, and the trail may be regained by 
following the directions given from that point under 
the Bellows Pipe Trail, from Adams. 

The upper portion of the journey is rather rough. 
One should not wear a tight pair of boots. Water for 
drinking is plentiful along this trail both when 
approaching from Adams and from North Adams. 

■The Cascade : 

For one who comes from North Adams a pleasing 
variation of the trip to the Walden house may be 
made by taking a street car (Williamstown or Sand 
Springs) to Marion Avenue. Then the route extends 
southerly down that street, straight to the woods. 
There a clearly marked trail follows up the brook to 
the Cascade, one of the most beautiful ravines in the 
county. From the Cascade one may go to the Walden 
house, should he desire to climb Mt. Greylock, Mt. 
Fitch, or Mt. Williams, or he may cross the Bellows 
Pipe to Adams. 



TWO MORE RECENT TRAILS UP GREYLOCK 
FROM THE WEST 

The Mt. Simonds Trail : 

(Note : Mt. Simonds is called Mt. Prospect on the government map) . 

This way, long since abandoned, was apparently 
that used by Williams men of sixty years ago to' ascend 
Greylock on Mountain day. The lower portion is 

19 



clearly marked, but the upper portion has been blazed 
recently. 

From Williamstown take the Green River road. 
After a mile and a half turn through the fields to an 
old limestone quarry, at the northwestern base of Mt. 
Prospect. This point might be reached by two other 
roads, as the map will show. When the old quarry 
has been found, walk due east up the hill to a fence 
(ioo yards or more), and then follow the fence to the 
right, southerly up the hill. A large oak with a crystal 
clear spring at its foot will be found. Then turn to 
the right on an old wood road running southerly and 
enter the reservation. Follow the road to the south 
until it joins another road comling up directly from a 
house in the valley, almost due west (Abner Towne's). 
Then continue in the same general direction as before 
until the road ends near a large stone, just above a 
switchback. The upper part of the road will be found 
to be overgrown with bushes and small trees. From 
the end of the road turn sharply to the right and follow 
the blazes on the trees, straight up to the summit of the 
ridge, where an open field with an extensive view will 
be found. Greylock, two miles to the southeast, will 
be visible. 

Follow the open ridge of Prospect southerly until 
the trees are reached. Just on the northern edge of 
the woods Trail No. 13 will be found, and it can be 
followed easterly to the North Adams road. The rest 
of the way up the mountain by road will be easy. 

This trail has gentle grades - except for the last 
quarter mile up to the summit of the Prospect ridge. 
There is good water on the way up. The views are 
excellent because the woods do not shut in to the 
extent that they do on the Hopper Trail. 

20 



The Hopper Trail: 

< From the West). 

The Hopper Trail approaches Greylock Mountain 
from the west. It begins in the foothills of the Grey- 
lock group and may be reached at the lower end from 
either Williamstown, South Williamstown, or from 
New Ash ford. To reach the Hopper trail from 
Williamstown one would take the Green River road to 
Sweets Corners, there turning toward the east and 
crossing the stream. The road from that point follows 
up the Hopper Brook (see U. S. Geological Survey 
map). The last house on the 1,100-foot contour is 
Bacon's (see Trail map). The course of the trail 
as it swings around to the south, parallel to the south 
branch of the Hopper Brook, climbing toward the 
shoulder between Stony Ledge and Greylock, may be 
traced easily upon the government map. The Hopper 
Trail is shown in three sections upon the Trail map : 
Nos. 8, 9 and 10. The point where trail No. 9 enters 
the woods must be watched for with care. The trees 
are blazed, but the footpath is very narrow. Coming 
down the Hopper Trail it is well to watch for the 
point on trail No. 9 (on the abandoned road) near a 
large tree on the right where the trail turns sharply to 
the west toward the Stony Ledge road. A sign, small 
and weather-worn, is high up in the tree; and its 
directions might easily escape one were he not on the 
watch. 

22 




£ 




£ 




O 




H 




02 




£ 


^ 


<H 


ri 


i— i 




1-1 




J 


■d 


1— 1 




£ 








w 


13 


H 


«H 





o 


o 


!>> 


02 


0i 

CD 




+J 


s 


r* 


o 


o 


tf 




fe 




tf 


<V 


H 




Ph 


Pi 


Ph 




O 




ffl 




H 




E 




H 





The Hopper Trail is known as the "man killer." 
But it is not so hard as its name would imply. The 
best view of the Hopper can be obtained from Stony 
Ledge. Miracles of coloring take place every year in 
the Hopper. Early October is the best timje to view 
the foliage. 

The trail up the mountain is long, steep and not 
very rough. And the brooks are at hand when needed. 
Trail No. 9 has some cool little streamlets. 

The distance to Williamstown by this way from 
the Summit is about eight miles. 

New Ashford Trail : 

In recent years a trail has been opened from the 
New Ashford valley, by way of Goodell Hollow. A 
mile and a half south of South Williamstown on the 
New Ashford road, there is a corner where a road 
turns easterly up Goodell Hollow. The last occupied 
house on this lane is the Collins House. From there 
the trail continues up through the pasture to a ruined 
house near a brook. At that point turn and cross 
the brook to the right on a steep old wood road. The 
ruined house lies within the reservation easterly of 
the "Y" made by the north and south branches of 
Roaring Brook. This is trail No. 5. 

A pleasing variation of this trail is to clamber up 
the bed of the brook. A wonderfully beautiful ravine 
is that where Trail No. 6 ends. 

The trail from Goodell Hollow opens to those 
from New Ashford and South Williamstown what 
perhaps is the most rugged and beautiful portion of 
the reservation, the Heart of Greylock, and Sunset 

24 



Rock; moreover it furnishes a near approach to the 
Hopper and the vista of the great wall of foliage on 
the western sides of Fitch, Greylock and Saddle Ball. 

SHORT TRAILS FROM THE 
SOUTHERN CARRIAGE ROAD 

Rounds Rock Trail: 

As one enters the reservation by the carriage 
road from the south, the first trail leaving the main 
road is that to Rounds Rock. The distance from the 
road to the summit of the Rock is about a quarter 
mile. The southern end of Rounds Rock marks the 
southern limits of the reservation. The trail starts on 
the western side of the road just north of the point 
where the highway crosses the shoulder of Rounds 
Rock after passing through the ravine. 

The southern side of the Rock ends in a cliff in 
places over one hundred feet in height. From the 
summit near the triangulation tripod views may be 
obtained in all directions. There are many berries 
growing on the top of Rounds Rock, but there is no 
water fit for drinking. 

Jones Nose — Saddle Ball Trail : 

(From the South). 

If a line were drawn from Rounds Rock to 
Saddle Ball on the government map it would pass close 
to the point on the bridge of the Nose where the Trail 
marked No. 3 on the Trail map begins to run north. 
The spot cannot be missed, for it is just at the wood- 
line, above the steep grass-covered incline of the Nose. 
The trail enters a bit to the left of the "bridge." 

25 



From the woodline an extensive view can be obtained 
without much of a climb from the carriage road; 
but few of those who pass on the road below seem 
aware of that fact, however. 

Those who prefer the less frequented trails will 
find this enchanting. By following its course — for 
Trails i, 2 and 3 are really one continuous trail — the 
Summit can be reached from the south, with a mini- 
mum of travel upon the carriage way. But the trees 
must be watched closely for blazes. Generally the 
trees have been marked so that the way may be plain 
both coming and going. 

There is a bit of good climbing on Trail No. 3 — 
not rock work, but steep grades and sharp turns. In 
the main the path follows the ridge to the northward. 
Near the summit of Upper Saddle Ball a rough spruce 
tower marks an excellent view point. The northern 
end of the Trail (No. 1) is found at the sharp turn 
in the switch-back of the Pittsfield road. The place 
of beginning at that end is somewhat obscured by the 
fact that a rough road was started from the switch- 
back toward the east ; but this should not be followed. 
The real trail is narrow ; going south from the switch- 
back, along the rough road, it turns off to the right at 
the foot of an evergreen tree, which is blazed. Once 
the narrow path has been found the general southerly 
direction will assure the walker that he is on the 
right path. 

26 



Camp Ground; Stony Ledge; 

The. Heart of Greylock; Sunset Rock: 

About three-quarters of a mile beyond the place 
where the road coming from the south crosses Mitchell 
Brook there is a road turning off to the left and lead- 
ing down to the Camp Ground and to Stony Ledge. 
From the fork of the road the Cam!p Ground is about 
three-quarters of a mile. It is a sunny spot among the 
pines, near a brook, to the left of the road as one 
travels toward Stony Ledge. The turn-off to the 
Camp Ground is about three-quarters of a mile from 
the Pittsfield road. Motors should not be taken to the 
top of Stony Ledge unless one wishes to risk rough 
going. 

It is from the level spot between Stony Ledge and 
the Camp Ground that the Hopper Trail dips down to 
the north. From the top of Stony Ledge is obtained 
one of the finest views upon the mountain — the great 
chasm of the Hopper, with its murmuring brooks and 
mass of variegated foliage. 

From the Camp Ground start two short trails. 
To the Heart of Greylock (Trail No. 6) is three- 
quarters of a mile. Following down the brook at 
first on the left bank, and bearing away to the left, 
a steep winding path leads one down to a cascade in 
the depths of a ravine. This is the "Heart of Grey- 
lock." From this point there is a fine climb up a 
brook-bed to the Pittsfield road. Take the large brook 
to the right for a little rock climbing. For brook work 
use the government map. 

27 



Sunset Rock (Trail No. 7), three-quarters of a 
mile down the Collins trail, and to the left, gives a 
beautiful prospect across the valley. By the Collins 
Trail (No. 5), one can reach the Collins house in 
Goodell Hollow which is about one and three-quarter 
miles from the Camp Ground. That trail is described 
more fully under Trails to the Summit. 

"Misery Hill" Shortcut (Trail No. 19) : 

After crossing the divide between Saddle Ball 
and Greylock and travelling along the Pittsfield road 
toward Mt. Greylock, one soon approaches the final 
climb. The carriage road swings around by an easy 
but slow ascent to the southeastern side of the 
mountain. But if one should turn sharply to the left 
up the peak in a direct line, he would save much in 
distance. For an alert tramper. Misery Hill presents 
no difficulties and affords much in the way of wonder- 
fully extensive prospects. 

The "Cut in the Rocks" on the southeastern 
shoulder of the mountain marks the head of the 
"Slide" above the town of Adams. If one wishes to 
take a footpath, to the left at that point, following the 
line of the telephone to the summit, niuch distance 
will be saved. 

There is a small obscure footpath encircling the 
summit a short distance below the top of the mountain, 
a few hundred feet down, but not on so low a level as 
the cut in the rocks. This little path affords to bird 
lovers the very chance for quiet that is needed to 
observe the winged ones. 

28 



A Short Trail from the Bellows Pipe: 

(Raven's Crag Trail. Ragged Mountain on government map). 

The views from Raven's Crag are often better 
than those from, points higher on the reservation when 
the weather is cloudy. As one stands at the Bellows 
Pipe facing north, Raven's Crag is the ridge to the 
right, east of the Notch Brook, above the Reservoir. 

Starting from the stone wall across the Bellows 
Pipe, bear up the hill toward the northeast. A rough 
road will be found in the neighborhood of a reserva- 
tion granite marker in the field; the marker is that 
showing the southeastern corner of the strip of land 
owned by North Adams and ending at the Bellows 
Pipe. Follow this road northeasterly up the hill, taking 
the second right. This will lead up past a little brook, 
to the top of the ridge. There turn to the north and 
follow the blazed trail which extends along the ridge 
for over a mile and a half from; the Bellows Pipe. 

After the first turn to the north at the top of the 
ridge, the path continues a few rods to a summit bare 
of trees ; then it turns hard to the right, descends to 
a ravine and crosses directly to a very sharp ridge; 
then it continues along this ridge, west of north, 
turning to the north at the end of the knoll. Again it 
continues north, on the eastern side of two small 
crests, and finally it climbs up a sharp ridge, affording 
an excellent view. 

The entire Ragged Mountain ridge is about one 
thousand feet lower than Greylock itself. But excel- 
lent views of cloud effects on the vast mountain wall 
of Williams, Fitch and Greylock may be obtained. The 
trail was built by George A. Bauer for the Commission. 

29 



Good water is to be found on this trip, and the 
paths are not too rough for tender shoes. 



SHORT TRAILS FROM THE 
NORTHERN CARRIAGE ROAD 

Trail No. 16: 

This is a short connecting link between the North 
Adams road and the upper part of the Bellows Pipe 
Trail. It simply connects the road and the trail at a 
point where they come together nearest. 

The Trail to Mt. Fitch : 

This is but 1,380 feet in length and goes to the 
summit of Mt. Fitch. It is easily followed. There 
is no clearing at present at the summit of Mt. Fitch. 
The trail has been continued to the east a short dis- 
tance to the east line of the Reservation. The line 
has been cleared out at this point and it may be 
followed without difficulty to the Mt. Williams trail, 
and thus the summit of Mt. Williams reached. This 
line between the extension of Trail No. 11 and Trail 
No. 12 is a link in the trail which will somie day extend 
from Williams to Fitch and to Greylock. This has 
already been blazed on the trees after a fashion. It 
extends southerly from Mt. Fitch on the easterly side 
of the ridge ; then it strikes an old wood-road leading 
southerly to the North Adams road ; a very short 
distance north from that point of juncture, it turns to 
the left for about two hundred yards straight up the 
ridge to the east, where it joins the line cut out by 
the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad in 

30 



its survey. Thence it runs almost directly south to 
the bend in the upper part of the Bellows Pipe trail ; 
whence the way by trail to the Summit is clear. Thus 
a north-and-south trail for the northern part of the 
reservation is practically completed to correspond with 
the similar trail to the south over Trails Nos. I, 
2 and 3. 

Inner Hopper Trail (No. 15) : 

The trail is one-third of a mile in length. It 
leads to a point from which an excellent view of the 
Inner Hopper is obtained. It is possible by following 
the blazes from this point to clamber down to the 
Hopper Brook. One who loves climbing can ascend 
then to the Pittsfield road by way of the south branch 
of the Hopper Brook. This is one of the best trips 
upon the reservation, unless the climb of the Slide be 
excepted. But one should wear tramping clothes. 

Trail to Mt. Williams (No. 12) : 

(Length, 3,325 feet). 

This turns to the east from the northern carriage 
road and runs to the top of Mt. Williams, where there 
is an excellent view to be obtained to the north and 
northeast from a lookout in a tree, reached by a 
ladder. 

The Money Brook Trail (No. 15) : 

(Distance: Less than ten minutes' walk from the road). 

The path leads down the steep hillside covered 
with pine needles to the Money Brook Cascade and 
ends below the cascade. A mjore beautiful little nook 

31 



is hard to find. The trail is on the west side of the 
road and the descent is sudden, but the path is fairly 
smooth. 

The Mt. Simonds Trail (No. 13) : 

(Mt. Prospect is another name for the hill. Length, 5,850 feet). 

About two miles and a quarter up the North 
Adams road from the Walden house on the west side 
of the road near Mt. Williams there is an overgrown 
pasture. There an old iron boiler stands, serving a 
useful purpose ; it is a landmark for the beginning of 
the Mt. Simonds trail. The trail goes west from the 
road straight to the woods (800 feet). There the 
blazes commence. The trail was laid out with a com- 
pass, and runs in a series of straight lines. Where it 
passes the edge of a clearing which lies to the north 
is the point where one going to Williamstown should 
follow the ridge through the open lot to the north. 
The place where the trail to Williamstown cuts straight 
down to the Old Wood road is marked on the edge of 
the above mentioned clearing on the west by blazes 
and by a brush heap. It is perhaps three or four 
hundred yards (estimated) from the Simonds trail. 

But to go to Mt. Simonds one should keep in the 
woods to the left of the clearing. Mt. Simonds on the 
north of the Hopper corresponds in position to Stony 
Ledge on the south. Prospect ends in a sharp ridge at 
the southwestern extremity, bare of trees. Excellent 
vistas of the Hopper reveal themselves there. 

On the Prospect trail there is no water, so carry 
some along. By following down the ridge one can 
descend directly to the bottom of the Hopper. 

32 



Note : The top of the sharp ridge where the Pros- 
pect trail ends may be seen clearly on the cut of Mt. 
Prospect a few pages back. From the open lot at the 
extreme right the trail descends to Williamstown. 

TWO ADDITIONAL TRAILS 

Mr. Charles Barker has marked on his private 
map two trails not shown on the Road and Trail map. 

The first of these is a short trail to< the head of 
the recent landslide in the Inner Hopper. The trail 
turns from the northern carriage road, about one- 
quarter of a mile northerly of the present "Inner 
Hopper" trail, near a dry brook on the down-hill side ; 
and it leads to the "slide" in the Hopper. 

The other trail is a continuation of the Raven's 
Crag trail to Raven's Rock, on the reservation over- 
looking Adams. After reaching the cleft in the hilltop 
where the Raven's Crag trail turns northerly from the 
wood road, follow the road to the east, instead of 
taking the trail ; bear first to the left, and then turn to 
the right. The rock juts out at the top of a ledge of 
considerable height. 



Note : The cut, "Greylock from the East," at the 
extreme right shows the southern end of Raven's 
Crag. From the Notch the Bellows Pipe trail zig-zags 
to the top of the ridge at a point near the center of 
the picture. 

For permission to use views, thanks are due to 
Messrs. Plumb & Clark, to Mr. Barker and to George 
R. Carter. 

33 



i . 




L ^jJ^L T3faf^ ~lffllBffiHK^ * " 






i 'IPS ' '"' 

4Uw : * ^ 




BH^^^^S: 


! ^Se?^ > 


^B| 


F' 1 *' IHe"^^- -*'t(r& TE^ 


^S^r 


Iff * * 
1 




1 





A GREYLOCK ROAD 



TABLE OF APPROXIMATE DISTANCES 



Trail Distances to Greylock Summit 

Miles 

From Cheshire Harbor, via: 

Cheshire Harbor Trail 5. 

From Adams, via: 

Cheshire Harbor Trail 7.3 

Bellows Pipe Trail 5.5 

From North Adams, via: 

Bellows Pipe Trail 7. 

Bellows Pipe Trail to end Raven's Crag Trail 
at north (not to Summit) 7. 

From Williamstown, via: 

Mt. Simonds Trail 8. 

Hopper Trail 8. 

Collins Trail (South Williamstown and Goodell 
Hollow) :. 10. 

Road Distances to Greylock Summit 

From Pittsfield, via: 

Pratt Hill Road 16. 

Rounds Rock, Lanesboro 16.20 

From Adams, via: 

Scholz House 13. 

Lanesboro (Rockwell Road) 21.40 

From North Adams, via: 

Notch Reservoir Road 10.40 

Lanesboro 27.50 

From Cheshire, via: 

The Cummings Farm 8.20 

Rockwell Road, Lanesboro 12. 

From Williamstown, via: 

North Adams Road 14.50 

Lanesboro (Rockwell Road) 22. 

Pratt Hill Road, New Ashford 14.50 

35 



LESS WELL-KNOWN POINTS 



A Few Things to See and Where to Find Them 



Objective 
The Hopper for Foliage: 



Examples of Erosion: 



Cloud Effects on Greylock: 



Views of North Adams: 



View Point 

Mt. Prospect 
Stony Ledge 
Camp Ground 
Inner Hopper Trail 
Hopper Trail in Autumn 

The Hopper 

The Slide 

The Entire Greylock Group 

Raven's Crag 

Saddle Ball and Lower Points 

Mt. Williams 



Views of Southern Berkshire: Rounds Rock 

Jones Nose 



Views of the Hills West- 
ward and Southward: 

Cascades: 



Glacial Scratching: 



Saddle Ball 
Stony Ledge 

Bassett Brook 

Hopper Brook, South Branch 

Heart of Greylock 

Money Brook 

At the Summit 



In 1916 the only peak of all those in the reservation 
which was shut in by woods upon its summit was 
Mt. Fitch; and even there, in the autumn and winter, 
Ragged Mountain was clearly visible. 

36 



TABLE OF MAP DISTANCES 

Greylock to: Miles 

Boston 109 

Buffalo 286 

Montreal 208 

New York City 144 

Canadian Boundary 170 

Mt. Marcy 112 

Mt. Washington 146 

The Catskills 50 

From Fifteenth Annual Report, Greylock Commission. 



TABLE OF HEIGHTS 

Feet Above 

Sea Level 

Greylock 3,505 

Mt. Everett :.'■' 2,624 

Great Blue Hill 635 

Mt. Washington 6,285 

Mt. Wachusett 2,108 

Slide Mountain 4,205 

Mt. Marcy 5,344 



BIBLIOGRAPHY 

A partial bibliography of works relating to the Reser- 
vation will be found in the Fifteenth Annual Report, Grey- 
lock Commission. 



REPORTS OF GREYLOCK COMMISSION 

These are published annually by the state and may be 
secured gratis from the commission. Financial reports are 
incorporated in those of the County Treasurer of Berk- 
shire County, Massachusetts. 

37 



Plan of Greylock state Reservation 

Berkshj re Co. 

8 % | ffass 



INOEX TO FOOT TRAILS 

I <SfYITCH- BACK RVAO 70 UPPER SADDLE-BALL 
Z UPPER SAOOLE-BALL TV LOWER SAOOLE-BALL 

3 L0IVER SAOOLE-BALL TV JONES NOSE 

4 LOfYERSAODLESALL TO CHESHIRE ROAD 

5 STONY LEOGE ROAD TO COLLINS HOUSE 

6 COLLINS TRAIL TO HEART OFGREYLOCIf 

7 COLLINS TRAIL TO JUAISETffOCK 

8 STONY LEOGE ROAD TO BACONS HOUSE 

9 STONY LEOGE ROAD TO <SniTCH-BACH 

10 S1VITCH-BACK TO OIV/OE ROAD 

II NORTH ADAMS ROAD TV FIT. FITCH 

11 " " •• "PIT.niLLIAPIS 
13 " " •■ •> MTSIMONds 

MONEYBROOK 
VIEIYOF INNER HOPPER 
Ik a " " " BELLOWS PIPE TRAIL 

17 CO. COMn. ROAD TO J7ALOENS HOUSE 
IB S'CHOLTZ HOUSE TO OIV/OE ROAD 
/« co.cornm. roao to summit • 

Bacons 



dec. i<m 

rTm.N. Toiler C.E 
North fldams, Mass. 




THE UNITED STATES 



smaller streams 

ins, lakes, 

qis — those 

q the year — are 

i contour on 

tour line, 

The 

shore line 

On a gentle 

; on a si 

tour 

a cliff. 



by a sea cliff. The hill on the 
valley in a steep p. It ■ 

the scarp and forms an ii 
by a few shallow gullies. On 1 
is inch 'ectly ber, 

contour lines. 
The contour ii 

mapped; in a fl 
mountainous region it 

and are 
level. The 









nf 1 






- 



I 




